Nov. 12, 2013

Loading Photo Galleries ...

Written by

Indiana Pacers guard Lance Stephenson reacts to hitting a 3-point basket against the Memphis Grizzlies in the first half of an NBA basketball game on Nov. 11, 2013. The Pacers defeated the Grizzlies 95-79. Stephenson had his first triple-double of his career with 13 points, 11, rebounds and 12 assists. / AP Photo/Michael Conroy

More

ADVERTISEMENT

There’s no place in the columnist’s handbook that says a not-so-humble scribe can’t change his mind, so here goes:

After weeks of insisting that Danny Granger belongs in the starting lineup and Lance Stephenson belongs on the bench, I’ve done a 180: Stephenson has earned the right to keep his starting job even after Granger returns from the strained calf injury.

What’s that they say? If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it?

The Pacers are 8-0. The starting group of Stephenson, Roy Hibbert, George Hill, David West and Paul George were one of the two best starting fives in the league last year and continue to be one of the best this year. Stephenson, who dropped a triple-double on the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night, has matured into the ultimate complementary player for a team with designs on an NBA championship.

Why mess with success?

Nobody, and I mean nobody, has come further for the Pacers than Stephenson. Early in his career, he was a train wreck on and off the court. He was immature, head-strong, a guy with too much street ball and too little NBA ball in his game. He seemed more interested in making an “And 1” video than he did in making the simple play. Several of his teammates couldn’t stand him and his often disrespectful attitude.

“He’s come a long way,” Pacers coach Frank Vogel said. “He came in after one year of college. He had a lot to learn about professionalism, how to carry himself, how to work. But the culture here has allowed him to let his talent shine while growing into a pro. He’s become a solid basketball player. For the most part, he’s playing within himself.”

Stephenson is a bundle of exposed nerve endings, a live wire of a player, and he’s exactly what the Pacers starting five needs. There are times when the Pacers bog down in the halfcourt, but what Stephenson does best is rebound and push and force the Pacers to play in transition.

Who — besides Larry Bird, who had Stephenson’s back the whole time — could have imagined this man-child would grow into this kind of accountable young professional?

(Page 2 of 3)

I asked Paul George, who was drafted the same year as Stephenson, if he wondered if Stephenson would ever make it in this league.

“I did,” he said. “I did. Let’s just say he’s a strong-minded person. There’s not a lot that can persuade him. When he’s got his mind set on something, nine times out of 10, that’s what he’s going to do. But I’m happy he’s made the transition. He’s really matured a lot and become a pro.”

According to Stephenson, the turning point came two playoff seasons ago, when he famously flashed the choke sign at LeBron James and got caught up in extracurricular foolishness with Juwan Howard. That’s when he had a talk with veteran Jeff Foster.

The former Pacer, who had a locker next to Stephenson, doesn’t specifically recall that conversation, but does remember trying to mentor Stephenson through those rocky early years.

“I think it’s well documented he had his rough patches his rookie year,” Foster said. “He and I talked about a lot of things, how to be a professional, doing the right things on and off the court, saving his money, mostly just being respectful to his teammates, and making the most of his God-given ability, which he has tons of ...

“What he went through his rookie year, a lot of players wouldn’t be able to bounce back from his situation. The way he was perceived by the veterans because of the way he acted, that was a problem. But I’m glad now to see how well he’s doing.”

Don’t misunderstand: Stephenson still does some bonehead stuff and needs to be reined in by coaches and teammates.

During the Memphis game, he stuck the basketball in Tony Allen’s face — “I used to see Michael Jordan do that,’’ Stephenson said — a silly taunt that resulted in a technical foul.

Later, he fouled Marc Gasol at three-quarters court with less than a second remaining in the half, providing Memphis with a free point.

But the Pacers are willing to take a little bit of the Bad Lance as long as the Good Lance shows up most nights.

“I’ve really calmed down with the street ball,” Stephenson said with a smile. “I still try to do a little bit of tricks during the game, but I’m trying to get the street ball out of me and make the game more simple.”

(Page 3 of 3)

Said George: “He still reverts back to ‘Born Ready’ at times. But that’s a good thing. I don’t mind that.”

Now, though, Stephenson needs to show he can handle success. It’s why nobody in the Pacers’ postgame locker room is ready to declare his arrival. It’s just been eight games after an up-and-down season last year.

“He’s still got to stay grounded and humble,” David West said. “We’re still going to hold him accountable. Especially on defense. He knows we’re counting on him to be where he’s supposed to be.”

The biggest difference on the floor: He’s learned to hit the 3-point shot. The process began two years ago, after exit meetings when the Pacers brain trust told him he needed to improve his perimeter game. He got a shooting coach this past summer.

“He doesn’t act surprised now when he gets the ball,” George said. “Now he’s shot-ready.”

Stephenson has grown up. This whole team has grown, and grown together. Built, not bought, as they like to remind people. And as the last undefeated team in the NBA, the sky’s the limit.